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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-223
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
June 7, 2016
To recognize, honor, and express deep appreciation to Richard H. Bradley for his tireless commitment to the revitalization and development of downtown Washington, D.C, positioning it as a regional economic powerhouse through public space operations, economic development, partnerships, promotion, outreach, communication, and branding.
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley voluntarily staffed the Downtown Interactive Task Force, which recommended that the District create business improvement districts;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley served as an advisor to the Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee on Economic Development in 1995 as it was developing enabling legislation for business improvement districts in the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley served as executive director of the Downtown Business Improvement District (“BID”) for nearly 2 decades, spearheading change and development in downtown Washington, D.C.;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley, recognizing the importance and strength of like-minded partnerships, formed the DC BID Council to support the belief that business improvement districts would act as catalysts to disburse economic development throughout the city;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley had the foresight to support and develop the National Cherry Blossom Festival into a premier global event highlighting and promoting springtime in Washington, D.C., which is now in its 104th year of celebrating the gift of trees from Japan, draws nearly 1.5 million people, and generates approximately $160 million annually in visitor spending;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley championed support for homeless individuals and homeless services through numerous city agencies to develop and initiate programs to help individuals transition into permanent housing, including a continuing partnership with Pathways to Housing DC, which has expanded beyond the BID’s borders;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley, as executive director of the BID, promoted and championed the extension of Metro hours into late-night weekend service, recognizing the importance of supporting a nightlife economy, which helped prompt the exponential growth of the restaurant, hotel, entertainment, art, and cultural institutions in downtown Washington, D.C.;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley, as executive director of the BID, helped create DC Surface Transit Inc. to advocate for, and advise the city about, the DC Circulator, DC Streetcar, and other surface transit modes and chaired its Board of Directors for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley, as executive director of the BID, was a successful supporter of farmers markets to enhance urban quality of life and support local farmers, creating a lasting and expanding partnership between the BID and FRESHFARM Markets, of which there are now 3 in operation in downtown Washington, D.C.;
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley, as executive director of the BID, developed and facilitated a developer roundtable to champion economic development in downtown Washington, D.C., an area that now boasts over $1 billion in revenue for the District of Columbia; and
WHEREAS, Richard H. Bradley has earned the deep respect of the government of the District of Columbia, business leaders, and downtown residents for his hard-working professionalism, guidance, and leadership.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Richard H. Bradley Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia is proud to recognize, honor, and express our overwhelming gratitude to Richard H. Bradley for his outstanding and inspirational actions on behalf of the District of Columbia and her citizens.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
